U.S. patent application number 13/047539 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for mobile washer unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to KARCHER NORTH AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Agustin Garcia Arellano, Adam Dean Bearup, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Jerry G. Gradwohl, Roger Pedlar, Glenn Richard Schmierer.
Application Number | 20120234938 13/047539 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46827686 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120234938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bearup; Adam Dean ; et
al. |
September 20, 2012 |
Mobile Washer Unit
Abstract
A mobile pressure washing system is provided. The system
comprises a frame with hinged elements for transitioning the frame
between an upright position of use and a compact position for
secure transport and storage of the system. System features further
include a removable and replaceable tank adapted to fit on a
portion of the frame, storage features, and pressure washing
features such as a motor and pump.
Inventors: |
Bearup; Adam Dean;
(Lakewood, CO) ; Schmierer; Glenn Richard;
(Longmont, CO) ; Pedlar; Roger; (Lakewood, CO)
; Arellano; Agustin Garcia; (Monterrey N.S., MX) ;
Gradwohl; Jerry G.; (Vancouver, WA) ; Gonzalez Chapa;
Gerardo Angel; (Apodaca N.L., MX) |
Assignee: |
KARCHER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Englewood
CO
|
Family ID: |
46827686 |
Appl. No.: |
13/047539 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/147 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 9/007 20130101;
B08B 3/026 20130101; B62B 1/12 20130101; B62B 5/067 20130101; B05B
9/0403 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/147 |
International
Class: |
B05B 9/00 20060101
B05B009/00 |
Claims
1. A portable pressure washer comprising: a frame having an upper
portion and a lower portion; a primary power source mounted on the
frame; a pump; at least one wheel on the frame; and the upper
portion and the lower portion of the frame being hingedly attached
by one or more elements and reconfigurable between a first position
and a second position; wherein the first position comprises the
upper portion at a first angle with respect to the lower portion
such that a user may grasp the handle and roll the power washer on
the at least one wheel; and wherein the second position comprises
the upper portion at a second angle with respect to the lower
portion such that the primary power source is substantially
surrounded by the frame.
2. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the lower portion
comprises a removable tank.
3. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the pressure washer
comprises a washing wand connected to said pump.
4. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the primary power source
comprises a gas-powered engine.
5. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the primary power source
comprises an electric motor.
6. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the first upper portion
and the second lower portion of the frame are hingedly attached by
a pair of lockable hinges.
7. A portable pressure washer comprising: a frame having an upper
portion and a lower portion; a primary power source mounted on the
frame; a pump; at least one wheel on the frame; and the upper
portion and the lower portion of the frame being hingedly attached
by one or more elements and reconfigurable between a first position
and a second position; the first position defined by an position of
use with the pressure washer having a first center of gravity; and
the second position defined by a position of non-use with the
pressure washer having a second center of gravity.
8. The portable pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the second
center of gravity is closer to the primary power source than the
first center of gravity.
9. The pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the lower portion
comprises a removable tank.
10. The pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the pressure washer
comprises a washing wand connected to said pump.
11. The pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the primary power
source comprises a gas-powered engine.
12. The pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the primary power
source comprises an electric motor.
13. The pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the first upper portion
and the second lower portion of the frame are hingedly attached by
a pair of lockable hinges.
14. A portable pressure washer comprising: a frame having an upper
portion and a lower portion; a primary power source and a pump
mounted on the frame; at least one wheel on the frame; the lower
portion of the frame comprising a tank, wherein said tank is
operable to protect the primary power source and contain a
predetermined quantity of fluid; and the upper portion and the
lower portion of the frame being hingedly attached by one or more
elements and reconfigurable between a first position and a second
position; wherein the first position comprises the upper portion at
a first angle with respect to the lower portion such that a user
may grasp the handle and roll the power washer on the at least one
wheel; and wherein the second position comprises the upper portion
at a second angle with respect to the lower portion such that the
primary power source is substantially surrounded by the frame.
15. The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein the tank is
detachable.
16. The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein the tank
comprises one or more of nylon, polyethylene, and polystyrene.
17. The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein the pressure
washer further comprises a washing wand and wherein the tank
comprises a receiving element for accommodating a distal tip end of
the wand.
18. The portable pressure washer of claim 17, wherein the receiving
element comprises drainage features for conveying fluid to an
external environment.
19. The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein the tank
contains fluid in fluid communication with a primary water
source.
20. A portable pressure washer comprising: a frame having an upper
portion and a lower portion; the upper portion of the frame
comprising a user-interface portion and a compartment for storage;
the lower portion of the frame comprising at least one of a primary
power source, a pump, and a tank; the upper portion and the lower
portion of the frame being hingedly attached by one or more
elements and reconfigurable between a first position and a second
position.
21. The portable pressure washer of claim 20, wherein at least one
wheel is provided on the frame, the at least one wheel further
adapted to protect the primary power source.
22. The portable pressure washer of claim 20, wherein the tank is
detachable.
23. The portable pressure washer of claim 20, wherein the lower
portion comprises a tank comprising one or more of nylon,
polyethylene, and polystyrene.
24. The portable pressure washer of claim 20, wherein the pressure
washer further comprises a washing wand and wherein the tank
comprises a receiving element for accommodating a distal tip end of
the wand.
25. The portable pressure washer of claim 24, wherein the receiving
element comprises drainage features for conveying fluid to an
external environment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to mobile cleaning
and washer units. More specifically, the present invention relates
to high pressure washing systems generally contained on or within a
frame structure, wherein elements or features for cleaning or
working operations as well as features for mobility are connected
on or to the frame.
BACKGROUND
[0002] High pressure washers are useful for cleaning a wide variety
of objects such as patios, decks, deck hulls, aluminum and vinyl
siding, tennis courts, and gutters. There are many known types high
pressure washing systems which generally comprise one or more
engines that power a high pressure pump. The pump is normally
connected to a water source at a low pressure, such as to a
municipal water source via a hose. The low pressure water is
generally passed through the pump and converted to high pressure
outlet fluid. A high pressure line may be attached to a wand for
directing high pressure flow.
[0003] Particularly with heavier high pressure cleaning units, a
pump and engine are oftentimes mounted on a frame having wheels and
pushed and/or pulled by the operator manually from location to
location. Placing such devices on a frame, however, significantly
increased the overall size of the device and in certain instances
acts to impede the mobility that was intended to be enhanced.
[0004] The cumbersome nature of known high pressure washing units
further complicates and impedes a user's ability to carry or
transport additional devices, products and items which may be
useful or required in cleaning operations. For example, known units
require sufficient user attention, energy and effort that
transporting additional items such as tools, cleaning products and
solutions, and other related goods is rendered impracticable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a novel
system, device, and methods of use for mobile pressure washing
apparatus comprising a foldable frame with additional features
adapted for housing and/or transporting various additional products
and tools.
[0006] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set
forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention
as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of
the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more
readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
[0007] The following references related to pressure washing systems
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Pat.
No. 7,198,204 to Bennett et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,957 to Bennett
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,255 to Luvisotto, U.S. Pat. No.
7,083,120 to Gilpatrick et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,235 to Faller
et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20100108781 to
Terrizzi et al., and 20050217708 to Otterson.
[0008] In various embodiments, a mobile pressure washing system is
provided having a frame to carry components of the system and to
create a handle or user interface portion for mobility of the
system. In one embodiment, the handle is selectively positionable
by a user between at least a first and second position, the first
position being a generally upright position for user manipulation
and/or rolling of the device and the second position being a
generally compact position of non-use. The generally compact
position of non-use may be utilized, for example, when the device
is to be stored or transported in a position of non-use.
[0009] In one embodiment, selectively locating the frame in the
second position additionally provides for protection of various
elements of the device including, but not limited to, motors,
pumps, tanks, valves, and similar features. Thus, in various
embodiments, a mobile pressure washing device is provided
comprising a first position of use and a second position of non-use
wherein the second position of non-use is adapted for minimizing
the overall height of the device, as well as, protecting various
elements of the device.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, a mobile pressure washing device
is provided with a tank adapted to hold various fluids (e.g.
cleaning fluids) which may be selectively secured to a frame of the
device by a user. The tank may be of the molded or rotomolded
plastic variety and serve to house various fluids, as well as,
provide a buffer between device components and various external
objects or structures.
[0011] In another embodiment, the mobile pressure washing device is
provided with one or more plastic storage devices attached to a
handle portion of the frame. The one or more plastic storage
devices are adapted to house or transport various tools and
cleaning supplies and further provide additional protection for
device components when the handle portion of the frame is disposed
in a second position of non-use. Plastic storage devices for use in
the present invention may comprise, for example, recesses of
predetermined size for accommodating known containers, mesh, netted
and/or elastic features for accommodating of wide variety of
objects or containers, covers or lids for selectively securing
contents, and/or various control features for user-operation of
various device functions.
[0012] In a particular embodiment, a mobile pressure washing device
is provided with a storage area in an upper portion of the device
where the storage area is adapted to house various user-selected
containers. Thus, in at least one embodiment, a user may optionally
place one or more containers (e.g. a one-gallon container of
cleaning solution) securely in an upper portion of the device. It
is further contemplated that a tube is provided, the tube being
operatively connected to pump and washing elements at one end and
free at an opposing end such that it may be inserted into
previously described user-selected containers. Thus, user-selected
containers and the contents thereof may be optionally integrated
into water streams and/or washing operations.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, a mobile pressure washing device
is provided with features for accommodating a wand. For example, in
a particular embodiment, a removable rubber cone is provided on the
aforementioned tank portion of the device, the rubber cone adapted
to receive a portion of an elongate wand for use in spraying and/or
cleaning operations. An additional feature is provided on a handle
portion of the frame to receive another portion of the wand and
further support such a device. In an alternative embodiment, a
mobile washing device comprises such features for supporting a wand
when the device is in a first position and additional features or
recesses to receive and support a wand when the device is in a
second position. One of skill in the art will recognize the utility
provided by such a feature where, even when the unit is not
positioned for use, it may still be desirable to securely store a
wand and minimize the risk of damage or wear which may be placed on
the wand.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, a mobile high pressure cleaning
unit of the present invention comprises illumination features, such
as one or more lights for assisting operations in night-time or
low-light conditions.
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The
above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are
neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other
embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in
combination, one or more of the features set forth above or
described in detail below. Further, the summary of the invention is
neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative
of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present
invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the summary
of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and the
detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the
scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion
or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of
the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will
become more readily apparent from the detailed description,
particularly when taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following
description is merely illustrative of the principles of the
disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many
different alternative embodiments. This description is made for
illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this
disclosure invention and is not meant to limit the inventive
concepts disclosed herein.
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the general description of the
disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosures.
[0018] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing various features of a
mobile high pressure washing device according to one
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment and comprising a
wand;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment and comprising a
wand;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a mobile high pressure
washing device according to one embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a tank portion
according to one embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a tank portion according
to one embodiment;
[0030] FIGS. 12a-d provide various views of a wand receiving
feature according to one embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing various features of a
mobile high pressure washing device according to one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present invention has significant benefits across a
broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant's intent that this
specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth
in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being
disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed
by the requirements of referring to the specific examples
disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most
closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of
the method that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for
putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and
with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the
specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without
attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications
in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments
described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to
those skilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within
the scope and spirit of the invention, the invention being measured
by the appended claims and not by the details of the
specification.
[0033] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of numerous different embodiments, it should be
understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by
the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure.
The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and
does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every
possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible.
Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either
current technology or technology developed after the filing date of
this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the
claims.
[0034] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . ." or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that
any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is
referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single
meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited,
by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning Finally, unless
a claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and a
function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended
that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the
application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, a mobile high-pressure washing
device according to various embodiments of the present invention is
shown. It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted from
these drawings. It should be understood, of course, that the
invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
in the drawings.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile high pressure
washing device 2 according to one embodiment. As shown, the device
2 comprises a frame having an upper or user-proximal portion 10 and
a lower portion 12. The frame 4 is provided in part to support
various device elements 24 and facilitate the transportation or
movement of those elements before, during, or after use. The frame
is further equipped with wheels 6 and, in at least one embodiment,
tires 8 to further assist in movement or transport of the device.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, one of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that one or more additional wheels may be provided on the
device 2 in order to further assist rolling movement.
[0037] Device elements 24 may comprise, but are not limited to
various known devices for use in high pressure washing units. In a
particular embodiment, the mobile washing unit 2 comprises a
commercially available Honda GX200 engine as a primary power source
and one or more pumps for compressing or moving fluid(s). However,
one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present
invention is not limited to any particular engine or, for that
matter, gas powered engines generally. It will be expressly
understood that any known motor or engine suitable for pressurizing
fluids may be incorporated within the present invention.
Furthermore, while preferred embodiments contemplate the use of gas
powered engines and the related mobility that is often associated
therewith, alternative embodiments contemplate a wide array of
power sources being included with high pressure washing units of
the present invention.
[0038] As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a frame 4 is provided
with hinged elements 14 for selective positioning and/or
repositioning of an upper portion 10 of the frame with respect to a
lower portion 12 of the frame 4. According to various embodiments,
hinged elements 14 comprise lockable features such that the hinged
elements 14 may be selectively loosened, upper 10 and lower 12
portions of the frame adjusted with respect to one another and the
hinged portions selectively resecured so as to limit undesired
movements. In various embodiments, hinged elements 14 allow for a
user to adjust the angle of an upper portion of the frame 10,
thereby adjusting the overall height of the device 2 and the
ability to conform the device 2 to a user's height and/or
preference.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a mobile washer 2 is provided
with a support member 25 for maintaining the device 2 in a
generally horizontal position with respect to a surface upon which
the device rests. In one embodiment, the support member 25 is
mounted to a sheet metal base plate and generally disposed in a
center potion of the device. Accordingly, a user may easily tilt
the device 2 in order to eliminate or reduce contact between the
support 25 and the ground/surface and roll the device. In an
alternative embodiment, the support 25 comprises one or more wheels
such that a tilting operation is not needed to move the device
2.
[0040] In one embodiment, one or more portions of the frame 4
comprise telescoping features such that portions of the frame may
be extended and/or contracted to further conform to user desired
height or position.
[0041] In various embodiments, a user proximal portion 16 of the
device 2 is provided with a user-interface portion, such as a
handle, and a recession or storage area 18. Storage area 18 may
further comprise securing means or netting for selectively storing
various items (e.g. tools, cleaning products, etc.). User proximal
portion 16 may further provide protection for additional device
elements in various embodiments or positions as described herein.
For example, in a particular embodiment, when the device 2 is
placed in a folded or collapsed state, various elements including
user-proximal portion 16, storage area 18, tank 20, and frame
elements act to isolate and/or protect system components 24. In
various embodiments, wheels 6 and/or tires 8 of the device may be
sized so as to provide further protection (e.g. from impact, etc.)
of device elements 24.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention wherein an upper portion 16 is provided with a
plurality of nozzles 19 and/or attachments for a hose and wand
combination. In one embodiment, a plurality of nozzles 19 is
provided to enable a user to select from a number of different
impact strengths or spray patterns. Generally, only a single nozzle
will be needed for use at a particular time. The present invention
provides for an array of nozzles from which to select the most
desired nozzle for a specific application and allow non-used
nozzles to remain in a secure location on the device where they
remain in a safe and convenient location. Indicia are further
provided to provide information to a user on nozzle details and, in
the case of high impact settings, alert a user to the dangers of
the same. In one embodiment, a hose cradle 23 and an elastic
material 21 are provided for selectively securing/storing a length
of hose when not in use.
[0043] In various embodiments, an additional support or grip member
55 is provided. This member 55 provides an additional contact point
for a user to assist in various operations and further acts to
cover and protect various components 24 when the device 2 is in a
folded state.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, hinged elements 14 further allow for
the folding or collapsing of an upper portion 10 of the frame 4.
Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, an upper portion 10 of the
frame and associated structure 16 may be folded over additional
elements 24 of the device 2, thereby substantially reducing the
overall height of the device, increasing storage ability of the
device, and further protecting various internal elements. Although
not shown in FIG. 4, the device 2 may additionally be provided with
a latching or locking mechanism at the point where an upper portion
of the handle 10 meets a lower portion of the frame 12 when in a
folded position. For example, various known clips or clamps may be
provided to selectively secure the upper portion 10 with the lower
portion 12 when the device 2 is in a folded state. The device 2 in
a folded state is particularly well suited for temporary or long
term storage and/or transport in a state of non-use. For example,
when in a folded state, the device 2 will have a relatively compact
structure and generally be more convenient for lifting and
carrying, such as when necessary for placing the device 2 in a
truck or storage facility.
[0045] When the device 2 is in a folded position about hinged
elements 14, an upper portion 10 of the frame and lower portion 12
of the frame will meet or be disposed proximal to one another at or
near one or more contact points 28. In one embodiment, a portion of
the upper section 10 and lower section may generally be parallel
with one another when the device 2 is in a folded state. Such an
arrangement, however, is not necessary or required to achieve the
benefits of the present invention. Thus, in one embodiment, various
latches and/or clasps are provided to further secure the device in
a closed state. Additionally, hinged elements 14 comprise various
locking features to secure the relative position of the upper 10
and lower 12 frame members.
[0046] In various embodiments, the frame 4 of the device comprises
one or more materials known to provide desirable structural
properties without rendering the device unduly heavy or cumbersome.
Additionally, mild steel rod, cold rolled flat bar steel and cold
rolled steel in sheet form may be provided to construct the frame
4. In an alternative embodiment, the frame 4 comprises lightweight
plastic materials, such as high density polyethylene or
structurally similar materials. Wheels 6 of the device may be
optionally provided with various known tires, including but not
limited to 10 inch pneumatic or no-flat tires. Wheels 6 and/or
tires 8 of the present invention may be interchangeable with any
number of similar wheel and/or tire arrangements to suit the
intended application of the device 2 or accommodate user
preference.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, elevation views of the device 2
according to one embodiment are provided wherein the device
additionally comprises a washing wand 30. Washing wand 30 may be
provided and connected to additional device elements such as a 25
foot high pressure hose. The wand 30 may be connected to the device
through high pressure, quick connect spray nozzles, and may
comprise a high pressure lance and high pressure trigger gun for
dispensing fluids. The wand 30 may be supported by a cradle portion
31 disposed on or near an upper portion of the frame 10 and/or a
lower cone portion 32 or receiving element for accommodating a nose
or distal tip end of the wand 30. Accordingly, in various
embodiments, a wand 30 may be supported on the device 2 when the
device is in an upright or extended position yet the wand is not in
a state of use.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 9, a side elevation view of one
embodiment of the device 2 is shown wherein the wand 30 has been
removed. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a
wand 30 may be connected and disconnected with relative ease by,
for example, the provision of high pressure quick connect valves
and connection members. Accordingly, when one desires to remove the
wand 30, this may be readily accomplished by loosening or removing
various quick connect couplings and the wand 30 and or hosing
removed or attached to the device 2.
[0049] As further shown in FIG. 9, an angle 50 is established
between portions of the frame 4 divided by a hinged element 14.
Angle 50 may be selectively altered or adjusted based on operation
of one or more hinged elements 14. In one embodiment, hinged
elements 14 may be selectively loosened, the angle 50 between frame
elements adjusted by a user on either a discrete or incremental
basis, or alternatively through an analog manner such that the
angle is not limited to any discreet number or set of positions.
Accordingly, in various embodiments, the overall height and
orientation of the frame 4 may be selectively adjusted based on
user preference. Additionally, hinged elements 14 also provide the
functionality of the aforementioned folding of the frame 4 such
that upper portion 10 is disposed over device elements 24 and
generally proximal (i.e., with respect to an upright position) to a
lower frame portion 12 for transport and/or storage of the device
2.
[0050] A molded tank feature 20 may additionally be provided on
various portions of the device 2. In one embodiment, the tank
portion 20 is adapted to be disposed on a lower portion 12 of the
frame and provide for storage and/or dispensing of various liquids
in addition to protective features for device elements 24. As
shown, the tank 20 comprises integrally formed or molded recesses
36 such that device fits securely onto aforementioned frame portion
12. In at least one embodiment, the tank 20 is readily removable
and detachable from a frame portion 12 such that any number of
tanks 20 may be associated with the device 2. Accordingly, where
numerous different liquids are desired for use with device
operations, and cross contamination of the these liquids is of
concern, a plurality of tanks may be provided with respect to any
one device 2 and the tanks and associated liquids easily
interchanged.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, a tank 20 comprises a tank for
storing and dispensing a chemical or cleaning solution into a flow
of water for dispensing from the device 2. The tank 20 houses a
solution or chemical based on a user's preference which may be
dispensed into a flow of water via a fluid pressure differential
provided by a venturi tube. For example, in one embodiment, water
from a pump is translated through a venturi and chemical(s) from
the tank 20 are drawn into the stream of water at an area of
reduced pressure, and the combined water/chemical product dispensed
through downstream components of the device.
[0052] One of skill in the art will recognize various additional
and/or alternative means by which chemicals disposed in a tank 20
may be dispensed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,435 to Pedlar et
al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,
discloses various fluid dispensation features which may be
incorporated into embodiments of the present invention.
[0053] Tank 20, in one embodiment, comprises an optional name plate
element 38 wherein a product, company, or manufacturer's name(s)
may be displayed either in the form of molding the same to or
within the tank and/or a void space for applying preexisting
decals.
[0054] The tank 20 further comprises an aperture or port 22 for
emptying and/or filling operations of the tank. In one embodiment
the tank further comprises an additional port or drain (not shown,
but 26 in FIG. 6) in a lower portion of the tank to quickly and
easily drain undesired contents. Materials may be pressurized
and/or conveyed from the tank to features of the invention and for
dispensing through various known methods and features.
[0055] As further shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a cone element 32 may
be optionally provided within or connected to a tank 20, the cone
32 being secured by fasteners 34 and adapted to accommodate a
distal tip or nose end of a wand. In various embodiments, the cone
32 is provided for receiving a distal end of a washing wand in a
secure and frictionally engaged manner. Thus, in at least some
embodiments, a cone 32 operates to store a wand 30 in a secure
manner such that it will not vibrate or become easily displaced, at
least at its distal end, during various operations. In one
embodiment, a portion of the cone 32 comprises drainage elements 42
for allowing fluids associated with the wand to drain to various
locations including, but not limited to, a portion of the tank 20
and/or the external environment.
[0056] FIGS. 12A-12D provide additional views of the cone 32
adapted to receive a wand. As shown, the cone may be provided with
fins 44 stabilizing the orientation of the cone 32 within a portion
of a tank 20 or similar feature within which the cone may be
disposed. Drain holes 42 are provided in one or more regions of the
cone 32 to allow for drainage of various liquids and prevent
undesired build up of such liquids within the cone.
[0057] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing joints or locking
elements of hinged elements 14 according to one embodiment. As
shown, a metal joint 52 is provided with a plurality of increments
or teeth for setting the handle in a variety of user-selected
positions. A set-screw 50 or similar device is additionally
provided to loosen and secure the metal joint 52 in a desired
position. Thus, lockable or selectively securable hinges are
provided. It will be expressly recognized that the present
invention is not limited to such an arrangement of hinges 14.
Indeed, a wide a variety of features for adjusting the position of
an upper 10 and/or lower 12 portion of a frame are contemplated. In
an alternative embodiment, a releasable pin is provided to enable a
user to reposition an upper portion 10 of the frame from a
generally upright position to closed position (see, e.g., FIG.
4).
[0058] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of
the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.
Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of
"including," "comprising," or "adding" and variations thereof
herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.
* * * * *